The Ngong Ping cable car system is designed to cope with Hong Kong's prevailing weather conditions and tests on the system will be monitored closely, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

He told lawmakers the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Ordinance regulates the system's operation and safety standards. According to the system's design, there will be temporary suspensions in weather conditions, including typhoon signal No 8 and above, black rainstorm warnings, lightning, and of 90km an hour persistent winds and 135km an hour gust winds. There were on average seven days in a year, totalling 23 hours, when such wind conditions existed on Ngong Ping.

Mr Ip said the operator, Skyrail, will decide whether to temporarily suspend the cable-car operation having regard to passenger safety and comfort as well as a host of factors including wind speed.

Under the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Ordinance, the operator has the power to suspend the operation on safety grounds. In the case of lightning and strong winds in the local area, the cable car will usually be able to resume service within a short period of time. 

Technical problems

On the service suspension during the trial run on June 17, Skyrail has submitted a report to the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, pointing out the suspension was caused by three technical problems that occurred closely together:

* a fault with the system that controls the spacing of cable cars in the Ngong Ping Skyrail Terminal;

* a friction-related problem with the conveyor rail system that transports cable cars around the contour of the Ngong Ping Skyrail Terminal; and

* a failure of the gate leading into the cable-car parking area at Ngong Ping Skyrail Terminal which blocked the parking of the cable cars. 

Mr Ip said Skyrail has formulated a rescue plan and a transport contingency plan to deal with service suspension. Skyrail and the Fire Services Department will also organise regular training for their staff to familiarise them with the rescue operation upon the cable car's opening.